Humayun Tomb, Delhi

Location : DelhiDeclared World Heritage Site In : 1993Entrance Fee : Citizens of India - Rs. 10/- per head (children up to 15 years free) Others : US $ 5 per person Visiting Time : sunrise to sunset

Description : A masterpiece of Mughal architectural style, the Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1570 by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun. The architect was Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Humayun’s Tomb is of particular importance as it was the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. Built of red and white sandstone and black and yellow marble, this wonderful tomb is surrounded by beautifully laid gardens. Interestingly after its construction Humayun’s Tomb inspired several other architectural innovations including the Taj Mahal.

The first substantial example of a garden tomb on charbagh pattern with high arches and double dome was erected by Humayun's queen Hamida Banu Begam (Haji Begam) in AD 1569 at a cost of 15 lakh rupees (1.5 million).

The high rubble built enclosure is entered through two lofty double-storeyed gateways on the west and south. A baradar (pavilion) occupies the centre of the eastern wall and a hammam (bath chamber) in the centre of northern wall. The lofty mausoleum is in the centre of the enclosure and rises from podium faced with series of cells having arched openings. The central octagonal chamber contains the cenotaph, encompassed by octagonal chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the sides. Their openings are closed with perforated screens. Each side is dominated by three arches, the central one being the highest. This plan is repeated on the second storey too. The roof surmounted by a double dome (42.5m) of marble has pillared kiosks (chhatris) placed around it.

Several rulers of the Mughal dynasty lie buried here. Bahadur Shah Zafar had taken refuge in this tomb with three princes during the first war of Independence (AD 1857).

On the southwestern side of the tomb is located barber's tomb (Nai-ka-Gumbad) which stands on a raised platform, reached by seven steps from the south. The building is square on plan and consists of a single compartment covered with a double-dome.